Lion Links: 9/30/25

Good morning, everyone. Orlando’s soccer teams managed to go undefeated over the weekend, but there isn’t much time to breathe. The Orlando Pride have two games this week, while Orlando City has a date with the Columbus Crew on Saturday, and Orlando City B takes on FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday. We’ve got a lot to get through this morning, so let’s jump into the links.

Lions Earn Weekly Plaudits

Two Orlando City players have garnered recognition for their roles in Sunday’s comeback draw, as Alex Freeman is in the starting XI of the MLS Team of the Matchday, while Pedro Gallese is on the bench. Freeman popped up with barely any time left on the clock to head home the all-important equalizer after spending large portions of the match getting forward in the way fans have become accustomed to. Gallese meanwhile, kept the Lions in the game by making nine saves and ensuring the Cincinnati lead never eclipsed one. Congratulations to both men and here’s hoping the strong play continues!

Previewing Orlando Pride at Club America Femenil

The Orlando Pride will forge on in the Concacaf W Champions Cup later today when the team hits the road to take on Club America Femenil, so now is a good time to familiarize yourself with today’s opponents. Las Aguilas were formed in 2016 and have consistently been one of the best teams in Mexico ever since. Club America finished fourth in the competition last year and currently sits top of group A with seven points and only today’s game left to play. The Pride won’t be taking them on in their usual home of the Azteca, which is having work done, so the game will take place in Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes instead.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who will be playing games during the working week, and the UEFA Champions League features heavily. Tuesday sees Johnny Cardoso and Atletico Madrid host Timmy Chandler’s Eintracht Frankfurt side, while Tim Weah and Marseille play Ajax. Wednesday has more American-on-American violence as Sergino Dest and PSV travel to face former PSV player Malik Tillman and his new club, Bayer Leverkusen. Thursday sees Tanner Tessman and Lyon taking on Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League, while Chris Richards and Crystal Palace get Dynamo Kyiv in the Conference League.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer carousel never truly stops, and there are a few pieces of news we need to catch up on. We’ll start with someone who won’t be on the move anytime soon, as Barcelona has signed teenager Marc Bernal to a new deal that runs until June 2029 and reportedly contains an outlandish €500 million release clause. Multiple clubs in the Saudi Pro League are said to be interested in signing Bernardo Silva, with Al Ahli and Al Nassr among the teams interested in acquiring his services. Finally, Xavi is reportedly extremely interested in the Manchester United job, although Ruben Amorim still remains at the wheel for the time being.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City held fast at the eighth position in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
• The Orlando Pride rose one spot to sixth in the same publication’s NWSL power rankings.
• The U.S. U-20 team hammered New Caledonia in its first match at the U-20 World Cup.

• Ricardo Pepi will miss PSV Eindhoven’s UCL match with Bayer Leverkusen after suffering a leg injury over the weekend.

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!